Dear Friends,

In these tough economic times, where decisions have an impact on so many lives, effective leadership is critical to supporting our community. I am asking for your support so I can continue to lead Santa Cruz County through these perilous times.

Since my election to the County Board of Supervisors I have worked hard to represent my constituents and the entire county. This has not always been easy; I have been attacked for leading on issues that have a significant impact on local residents. But I stayed committed and succeeded because I encouraged the community to speak out and get involved.

Last year, after two decades of complaints about the negative effects vacation rentals were having in our neighborhoods, I asked the Board of Supervisors to consider regulations to ensure that we did not lose entire residential neighborhoods to vacation rental businesses. The response from the overwhelmingly out-of-town owners was swift and loud. They shouted down local residents at meetings and ran ads on the radio personally attacking me. Fortunately democracy prevailed and after several public hearings, the Board developed effective regulations that balance the interests of these businesses and the neighborhoods. Since its adoption, transient occupancy tax receipts are way up and our County Treasurer estimates that this new law will generate around $1 million annually to our General Fund -- all without any new taxes, new development or new traffic.

My ability to lead through difficult times was also tested in the effort to acquire the rail line that transverses our county. Over ten years of study and support had failed to finalize the sale of the line. I worked with community members and created a coalition of neighborhood organizations, labor, business, environmentalists and local government to push for the rail line purchase. At the last minute, when CalTrans tried to stop the purchase, I personally met with their Director and other leaders in Sacramento to secure the funding necessary to complete the purchase.

In these difficult times we need leaders who will protect critical programs and build a pathway to prosperity. Together we have successfully advocated to keep funding for important community programs during each budget cycle. The community turned out for a planning process involving 500 residents to develop goals for our community. From those meetings we created the County’s first Economic Development program, designed to retain and expand our current businesses and to identify new areas for smart growth. While some have tried to take funding from this program, we have fought to keep it going, and we can all look forward to the good jobs it can bring to Santa Cruz County.

At this early date some have already announced their intention to run against me. With open seats in two other districts in this next election, the balance of the Board is truly at risk. My declared opponents tout their relationship with developers and seem happier in a board room than at a community meeting. I need your early support to show that the community wants to keep an effective leader who works hard to represent and meet the needs of the community. I am honored to serve, and I promise to continue working hard. Please support me in the upcoming election that will determine the direction of our county. At the top of this page is a tab to contribute and/or endorse my campaign. Your support will make a difference.

Sincerely,

John Leopold